Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional method developed at McMaster University in 1976, focusing on real-life problems to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It requires teamwork, self-directed learning, and the guidance of a trained facilitator, promoting a student-centered approach and lifelong learning. While PBL has advantages such as improved communication and motivation, it also presents challenges like time demands, the need for skilled facilitators, and difficulties in assessing individual contributions.

1. PROBLEM BASED
LEARNING (PBL)
Ms. Mamta Bisht
Assistant Professor

2. OBJECTIVES
1. 1.Definition of PBL
2. Purpose of PBL
3. Skills and attitudes required for PBL
4. Preparation for the PBL
5. Steps of the PBL process
6. Advantage of PBL
7. Disadvantages of PBL
8. Role of facilitator in PBL

3. INTRODUCTION
The problem based learning was developed in the
university of McMaster, Canada, in 1976.
It emphasizes on the problem as the starting point for
the acquisition and integration of new knowledge.
This enables the students to earn critical thinking and
problem solving skills, which are essential to nursing
practice.

4. DEFINITION
Problem based learning is a curriculum development
and instructional method that places the student in an
active role as a problem solver confronted with ill-
structured, real –life problems. this method is
commonly characterized by five facts:
1. Ill- structured problem
2. Real life significance
3. Student-led
4. Instructor facilitated
5. Community focussed

5. PURPOSE OF PBL
1. Acquires necessary knowledge and skills.
2. Increases the knowledge and skills of students
with PBL instructions.
3. Changes the student learning behaviour.
4. Makes them more likely to use versatile and
meaningful approaches to study, use textbooks
and other books.
5. Learn how to apply this method.
6. Students become a lifelong learners.

6. SKILLS AND ATTITUDES REQUIRED
FOR PBL
Teamwork Cooperation Listening
Chairing a
group
Recording
Presenting
skills
Critical
evaluation of
literature
Self directed
learning and
use of
resources
Respect of
colleagues’
views

7. PREPARATION AND CONDUCT OF
PBL
• A PBL session consists of a group of students
(usually 8-10) and the teacher as the facilitator.
• The length of time (number of sessions ) depends
on the situation
• Students elect a chair for each PBL scenario and a
‘recorder’ to record/note the discussion
• Suitable flip charts or a white board should be
used for recording the proceedings.

8. Contd….
• At the start of a session, depending on the trigger
material. Either the student chair reads out the
scenario or all the students study the material.
• If the trigger is a real patient in a ward, clinic, or
community, the student may be asked to take
down the clinical history, or identify the abnormal
physical signs before the group moves to a ward
teaching room.
• At the end, facilitator gives feedback to the group
and obtains feedback from the group using a
format.

9. STEPS OF PBL PROCESS
Consider the problem
Define the problem
Learn about the problem
What is to be done (action)
Evaluate the product & process

10. ADVANTAGES OF PBL
1. It develops complex problem solving abilities and
increases creative thinking.
2. It inculcates critical thinking and clinical
reasoning.
3. It makes learning enjoyable and promotes close,
friendly, more equal student-teacher
relationships.
4. The learners ‘communication skills, self
expression, and presentation skills are improved.
5. Helps to make learning more permanent.

11. ADVANTAGES contd….
6. Promotes student centred learning.
7. Participating in this method creates interest and
motivation in students.
8. It helps the students apply the learned knowledge
to practice.
9. It encourages self-learning and promotes better
lifelong learning.
10. Secure participation of all students of the group
and helps in building team spirit and collaboration.

12. DISADVANTAGES OF PBL
1. It demands significant time and the team’s
dedicated effort to design effective PBL.
2. The process requires more contact hours on the
part of the teacher.
3. All teachers may not be good facilitators, they
need to be dedicated and trained.
4. It reduces specific content knowledge and is more
suitable for subjects that do not depend too much
on prior content knowledge.

13. DISADVANTAGES OF PBL contd…
5. There is difficulty in assessing students in group
work, as recognising both individual output and
teamwork are important.
6. Acting as facilitators may appear difficult and
frustrating for teachers who enjoy passing on their
own knowledge and understanding.
7. There may be a lack of clarity among students
about how much self-directed study to do and what
information is relevant and useful.

14. ROLE OF THE FACILITATATOR IN
PBL
1. The facilitator helps the student engage in
reflective thinking.
1. The facilitator may question the students to help
them understand what they do not know about the
problem, as well as the question about decisions
they have made regarding the problem.

15. ROLE OF THE FACILITATATOR
contd…
3. Facilitate the proceedings and ensure that the
group achieves appropriate learning objectives.
4. Ensure that all the students have done the
appropriate work.
5. Check the students understanding of the material.

16. SUMMARY
PBL builds on the students backgrounds,
expectations and interests. It is common for students
to be motivated to work much harder with the PBL
Model than with the traditional teaching methods. As
an important student-centred method of teaching,
PBL can also support other conventional methods of
teaching. This approach strengthens self-learning
skills, enhances, accessing of learning resources, and
improves lifelong learning.

17. BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. K.P.Neerja, “Textbook Of Nursing Education”,
Jaypee Publications,2nd Edition,pg No.283-295.
2. R.Sudha, “Nursing Education Principles &
Concepts, Jaypee Publications 1st Edition,pg
No.91-113.
3. B.T.Basvanthappa, “Textbook Of Nursing
Education”, Jaypee Publications,2nd Edition,pg
No.392-412.
4. S.K.Kochhar, “Methods & Techniques Of
Teaching”,sterling Publications,1st Edition,pg
No.53-68